The 34-year-old only joined current club AS Roma last summer, but has struggled to make an impact in the Italian capital. He made just 16 appearances for the Lupi last season, and with only one more year left on his current deal could be a cheap option for new Magpies boss Steve McLaren to bolster his back line. A loan deal isn’t out of the question either.

Cole enjoyed a long career in the Premier League before going out to Serie A, making 566 appearances in the division for the Gunners and their London rivals. As such the left-back clearly has pedigree, but it is unknown whether he can still cut it in the top flight after a season of either being sidelined or playing in Italy’s far slower game.

The Toon recently let go Ryan Taylor, who featured relatively regularly for the team at left-back when fit last season. As a result they will now need a new man for the job, and former 107 cap England international Cole could be the man for the job as they look to avoid flirting with relegation again in the next campaign.